The Defining Moment of Psychological Trauma: What Makes a Traumatic Event Traumatic?

2005 ◽  
pp. 33-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
George S. Everly ◽  
Jeffrey M. Lating
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Defining Moment

MO946THE LEVEL OF POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH LONG TERM DURATION OF GRAFT

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Battaglia ◽  
Luigi Zerbinati ◽  
Michele Provenzano ◽  
Pasquale Esposito ◽  
Michele Andreucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Transplant ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Stress Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Kidney Transplant Recipients ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplant (KT)can cause a psychological trauma due to changes in self-perception, in interpersonal relationships, and in the philosophy of life. However, the exposure to this traumatic event might lead to not only stress disorders but also positive growth. Primary aim of study was to evaluate the prevalence of post-traumatic growth (PTG)in KTRs. Secondary aim was to explore any association between PTG and psychiatric, psychosocial and medical variables, specifically psychiatric diagnoses, demoralization, as well as physical and general problems or symptoms. Method KTRs followed up in a single nephrology Unit, were evaluated. Each patient was individually administered MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0. and DCPR interview to evaluate ICD-10 psychiatric diagnoses and DCPR diagnoses. PTG Inventory (PTGI), ESAS-revised, CPC, and DS-IT were given as self-report instruments to be filled in. PTGI was used to investigate positive psychological experience of patients after KT on a 0 to 5-point Likert scale(0=I did not experience this change as a result of my KT;5=I experienced this change to a very great degree as a result of my KT).It consists of 21 items divided in five factors: New Possibilities(NP),Relating to Others(RO),Personal Strength(PS),Spiritual Change(SC),and Appreciation of Life(AL).ESAS-revised, DS-IT and CPC were used to examine the severity of physical and psychological symptoms on a 0 to 10 scale; to measure the severity of demoralization on a 0 to 4 scale and to evaluate the physical and general problems in a yes/no(0–1)format, respectively. Results Data pertaining to 134 out of 143 consecutive outpatients were collected. Clinical characteristics of sample and ranking order of ICD and DCPR diagnoses are shown in Tab.1.Mean score of PTGI total of sample was 52.02 (±20.69).SC(4.26±2.94)experience was markedly lower than RO(16.26±8.18),NP(11.25±5.56),PS(10.91±5.33)and AL(9.77±3.72).PS changes were higher in KTRs with adaption ICD diagnosis(p<0.001);while no SC change was found in KTRs with an ICD diagnosis of mood disorders(p<0.01).DCPR diagnosis of alexithymia and Irritability were associated with low RO score(13.74±6.51 and 13.97±6.95,respectively)(p <0.05).AL subscale was positively correlated with ESAS anxiety symptom and ESAS psychological distress sub-score(p<0.05); and negatively with DS-lT loss of meaning and purpose subscale(p<0.05).Women(57.2±23.07)had higher scores of PTGI than men (49.5±19.04)(p <0.05).No significant correlation was found between CPC problems, blood chemistry and socio-demographic characteristics, including months after transplant. Conclusion This study shows that KTRs had moderate-to-high levels of PTG which did not change after KT overtime. Also, lower RO score was associated with DCPR diagnosis of alexithymia, highlighting the potential ability of PTGI to identify KTRs who need psychological support. Further multicentre studies should be conducted to investigate the positive psychological changes after KT.

POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH IN A PROCESS OF REHABILITATAION

2018 ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Tokhtamysh
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Rehabilitation Process ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic

This topic is particularly relevant in the context of combat operations in eastern Ukraine against the occupation of the country, where members of the combined forces operation in each day are in a situation threatening the life and risk of getting a military psychological trauma. The article considers the elements and conditions of post-traumatic growth in the context of the rehabilitation process and the social promotion of human development after a traumatic event. The phenomenon of post-traumatic growth can transform the concept of rehabilitation into a term that can be labeled as "proabilitation". The forms of social and rehabilitation support in terms of creating conditions for post-traumatic growth and their effectiveness are explored. The theoretical and applied models with resource elements of the rehabilitation process and post-traumatic growth process are analyzed. It is noted that the traditional model of posttraumatic growth pay attention to the process of rumination and getting control over it and ignores one of the basic symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder, such as uncontrolled visual images (flash backs). The two-component concept of post-traumatic growth, which may be «illusory» or «adaptive», can also be presented as a «compensatory» or «healing» type with regard to the presence or absence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after reaching post-traumatic growth. Posttraumatic growth occurs in several domains and can be depending on the type of traumatic event experienced, the individual reactions and the psychological qualities of the person. This process is not such that it automatically eliminates the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, the same, rejecting the need for psychotherapeutic and psychosocial care and focusing only on post-traumatic growth can be a false strategy for those who have experienced a traumatic event. Consequently, the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth can be regarded as a powerful resource factor for the rehabilitation process, in particular, as a motivational component of psychosocial assistance.

scholarly journals Update on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

2000 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Therapeutic Effects

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a maladaptive, pathological response to a traumatic event which is currently underdiagnosed and undertreated. This results in part from a lack of awareness regarding the prevalence of the disorder. It has been estimated that at least one third of the general population will be exposed to severe trauma throughout their lifetime, out of which approximately 10 % to 20 % develop PTSD. A prevalence of 3 % to 6 % of PTSD in the general population, found in several studies, corresponds well with these figures. Both the type of trauma and the personal characteristics of the individual involved are associated with the probability of developing PTSD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV) gives four diagnostic criteria: (i) exposure and emotional response to a traumatic event; (ii) reexperiencing; (iii) avoidance; and (iv) increased physiological arousal, along with severe impairment in occupational, social, and interpersonal functioning. The rate of comorbidity with other mental disorders is high, particularly for major depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. Different types of psychological intervention, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and a host of pharmacological interventions, have been tried. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the most widely researched agents with consistent, though modest, therapeutic effects. Other compounds, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have also been found to be effective, although their use is limited due to side effects. PTSD is a psychobiological phenomenon in response to psychological trauma, which represents maladaptive neurobiological deregulation and psychological dysfunction, and awaits further recognition and research.

scholarly journals Traumatic Events in Dual Disorders: Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2553
Author(s):  
Laura Blanco ◽  
Albert Sió ◽  
Bridget Hogg ◽  
Ricard Esteve ◽  
Joaquim Radua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Childhood Maltreatment ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Clinical Profile ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Dual Disorders ◽  
Dual Disorder

Psychological trauma has been identified in substance use disorders (SUD) as a major etiological risk factor. However, detailed and systematic data about the prevalence and types of psychological trauma in dual disorders have been scarce to date. In this study, 150 inpatients were recruited and cross-sectionally screened on their substance use severity, psychological trauma symptoms, comorbidities, and clinical severity. One hundred patients fulfilled criteria for a dual disorder, while 50 patients were diagnosed with only SUD. Ninety-four percent of the whole sample suffered from at least one lifetime traumatic event. The prevalence rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis for dual disorder and only SUD was around 20% in both groups; however, patients with dual disorder presented more adverse events, more childhood trauma, more dissociative symptoms, and a more severe clinical profile than patients with only SUD. Childhood maltreatment can also serve as a predictor for developing a dual disorder diagnosis and as a risk factor for developing a more complex and severe clinical profile. These data challenge our current clinical practice in the treatment of patients suffering from dual disorder or only SUD diagnosis and favor the incorporation of an additional trauma-focused therapy in this population. This may improve the prognosis and the course of the illness in these patients.

scholarly journals Myth therapy. Notes on collective traumatology

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-216
Author(s):  
Alexander I. Brodsky ◽  
Keyword(s):  
No Value ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Collective Consciousness ◽  
Collective Trauma ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Logical Connection ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Masses ◽  
Important Form

The article analyzes the mechanisms for the formation of social myths, as well as their functions pertaining to collective trauma, and puts forward three theses. Firstly, the characteristics which turn text into myth depend not on its formal or essential features, but rather on its perception (how the audience interprets the meaning of its constituent statements). Anything can become a myth. Usually, a myth consists of depictions, statements, and explanations, that is, descriptive utterances. However, to understand a myth is to know the preconditions not for the truth and/or falsity of its constituent statements, but instead the implementation of certain rules of conduct. A myth is a description interpreted as a prescription. This approach makes it possible to understand how various scientific or philosophical theories, initially aiming to describe and explain the world, turn into myths determining the social behaviour of the masses. Secondly, a myth turns descriptions into prescriptions through “storytelling”. A myth is a narrative which inevitably uses certain tropes essential for all narratives. The form of the narrative makes it possible to establish a pseudo-logical connection between various “elementary statements” capturing real or fictional events. Without such a connection, there is no value and, therefore, no normative perception of these events. Thirdly, the transformation of a description or explanation of a traumatic event into imperatives is the most important form of the therapy of collective consciousness. A description of a traumatic event turning into a call for action and construction of a new reality presents perhaps the only way to get rid of the destructive consequences of psychological trauma, both at the collective and individual level.

Reducing Intrusive Memories of Childhood Trauma Using a Visuospatial Intervention: A Case Study in Iceland (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristjana Thorarinsdottir ◽  
Emily Holmes ◽  
Johann Palmar Hardarson ◽  
Unnur Hedinsdottir ◽  
Marie Kanstrup ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Cognitive Intervention ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Intrusive Memories ◽  
Intervention Phase

BACKGROUND Additional interventions are needed for survivors of psychological trauma. Case studies can help treatment innovation with an intervention designed to disrupt memory reconsolidation, taking a single symptom approach by focusing on intrusive memories of a traumatic event. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine a novel brief cognitive intervention to reduce the number of intrusive memories of trauma, in an Icelandic setting and extending previous studies by examining longer-term effects up to 3 months. The intervention comprised a brief memory reminder, then Tetris gameplay with mental rotation, targeting one memory at a time in each session. The intervention was guided by a clinical psychologist and adapted to the Icelandic setting. METHODS This was a single case study in Iceland with a woman in her fifties, with 4 different intrusive memories from childhood. The primary outcome was the change in number of intrusive memories from baseline to intervention phase, and to follow-ups. The number of intrusions was monitored in a daily diary for: 4 weeks preintervention; 8 weeks during intervention; 1 week at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Intrusions were targeted one-by-one over 6 intervention sessions, creating 4 repetitions of an AB design (i.e., length of baseline ‘A’ and intervention phase ‘B’ varied for each memory). We examined change in both total number of intrusions (summed across all 4 memories) and individually for each memory. RESULTS The number of total intrusions per week was 12.6 at baseline; 6.1 over the intervention phase (a 52% reduction from baseline); 3.0 at the 1-month follow-up (76% reduction); and 1.0 at the 3-month follow-up (92% reduction). Reductions in symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression were observed post-intervention. Sleep, concentration, stress and functioning improved. The participant considered the gameplay intervention acceptable, and helpful in that she found the memories disappeared while playing. CONCLUSIONS This guided brief cognitive intervention reduced the number intrusive memories from over the intervention phase and follow-ups. The brief memory reminder was well-tolerated, removing the need to discuss trauma in detail. Next steps require extension to more cases and exploring remote delivery of the intervention. CLINICALTRIAL VSNb2017110046/03.01

Specialist counselling in the social work with a person and a family after a traumatic experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-116
Author(s):  
Anna Weissbrot-Koziarska
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
The Social ◽  
Need Support ◽  
The World ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Constant State ◽  
The Mind

Times we live in make us question what is going to happen with the world after the pandemic. The struggle against COVID-19 and changes produced will have impact on the mind of many people. Some lose their relatives, who they cannot bury. Others live in a constant state of fear about their health and future living. The world will never be the same. People will never be as they were before this traumatic event. The invisible enemy – coronavirus – will leave a lasting mark on their memory. Many will need support which can be provided by specialist counselling. Many will struggle with a trauma, which will make the return to “normality” impossible for a long time. A traumatic experience is a psychological trauma suffered by a person and caused by a strong, sudden stimulus. This stimulus is intensive enough to cause changes in the areas of soma, psyche and polis, and it also directly threatens health or life of a person. People after a traumatic experience require a complex assistance to return to their normal functioning. Currently, this stimulus is a deadly virus. The article presents the role of the specialist counselling in the area of social work with a person and their family after a traumatic experience.

scholarly journals THE CONCEPT OF CONTINUOUS TRAUMATIC STRESS AND THE CONTEXT OF ITS APPLICATION

2021 ◽  
pp. 17-25
Author(s):  
Kozihora M.A.
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Stressful Situation ◽  
Conceptual Content ◽  
The Military ◽  
The Impact

Purpose. The aim of the article is to determine the conceptual content of continuous traumatic stress and the contexts of its application. Methods. The investigation uses methods of the literature theoretical study in combination with analysis, synthesis and generalization. Results. The article presents the results of the analysis of the main psychological literature sources to determine the conceptual content of the prolonged traumatic stress concept. The main application contexts of the continuous traumatic stress concept are singled out and analyzed: the context of man - caused and natural disasters, the military context, the contexts of domestic violence and pandemics. The leading feature of continuous traumatic stress caused by disasters has been found to be that they cannot determine the exact time when one traumatic event ended and another began. A sign of prolonged traumatic stress in servicemen who are in the combat zone is that they are not only there, but also directly involved in the action. Equally important is the context of domestic violence against women and children. It was found that women who are constantly in such stressful situations, constantly feel discomfort when communicating with men. Children who experience prolonged domestic violence have broken relationships with adults and lack communication skills with peers. The introduction of quarantine in connection with a pandemic has been identified as a continuous traumatic and stressful situation. The pandemic situation has a negative impact not only on the social status, but also on the psychological state of people, including the most vulnerable groups: health workers, people with chronic diseases and the elderly. After the disease, some people experience fear, anxiety, depression, which disappear in a few months. Conclusions. The results of the study allowed us to conclude that prolonged traumatic stress indicates the impact of past, present and future stressors, which cannot be avoided. This concept is used in several contexts: man-made and natural disasters, the military context, the contexts of domestic violence and pandemics. Traumatic situations have not only social but also psychological impact, which manifests itself both immediately and sometime after a long traumatic experience.Key words: constant danger, traumatic event, domestic violence, military conflicts, psychological trauma, pandemic. Мета. Метою статті є визначення концептуального змісту тривалого травматичного стресу та контексти його застосування. Методи. У дослідженні використано методи теоретичного вивчення літератури в сукупності аналізу, синтезу й узагальнення. Результати. У статті представлено результати аналізу основних психологічних літературних джерел щодо визначення концептуального змісту поняття тривалого травматичного стресу. Виділено та проаналізовано основні контексти застосування поняття тривалого травматичного стресу: контекст техногенних і природних катастроф, військовий контекст, контексти домашнього насилля та пандемії. З’ясовано, що провідною особливістю тривалого травматичного стресу людей внаслідок катастроф є те, що вони не можуть визначити точний час моменту, коли одна травмуюча подія закінчилась, а інша розпочалася. Ознакою тривалого травматичного стресу у військовослужбовців, які перебувають у зоні проведення бойових дій, є те, що вони не тільки там перебувають, а й беруть безпосередню участь у діях. Не менш важливим є контекст домашнього насильства щодо жінок та дітей. Виявлено, що жінки, які постійно перебувають у таких стресових ситуаціях, постійно відчувають дискомфорт під час спілкування з чоловіками. У дітей, які переживають тривале домашнє насильство, порушуються зв’язки з дорослими, є недостатня кількість навичок спілкування з однолітками. Визначено, що тривалою травматичною і стресовою ситуацією є введення карантину у зв’язку з пандемією. Ситуація пандемії негативно впливає не тільки на соціальний статус, а й на психологічний стан осіб, зокрема найбільш уразливих груп: медпрацівників, осіб із хронічними захворюваннями, літніх людей. Після перенесеної хвороби деякі люди відчувають страх, занепокоєння, депресію, які за декілька місяців зникають. Висновки. Результати дослідження дали змогу дійти висновків про те, щотривалий травматичний стрес позначає вплив минулих, теперішніх та майбутніх стресорів, яких неможливо уникнути. Це поняття застосовується в декількох контекстах: техногенних та природних катастроф, військовому контексті, контекстах домашнього насильства та пандемії. Травматичні ситуації мають не лише соціальний, а й психологічний вплив, що проявляється як одразу, так і за деякий час після тривалого травматичного досвіду.Ключові слова: постійна небезпека, травмуюча подія, домашнє насильство, військові конфлікти, психологічна травма, пандемія.

scholarly journals Posttraumatic stress disorder and the nature of trauma

2000 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-22 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
World War I ◽  
Vietnam War ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Vehicle Accidents

The role of psychological trauma (eg, rape, physical assaults, torture, motor vehicle accidents) as an etiological factor in mental disorders, anticipated as early as the 19th century by Janet, Freud, and Breuer, and more specifically during World War I and II by Kardiner, was "rediscovered" some 20 years ago in the wake of the psychological traumas inflicted by the Vietnam war and the discussion "in the open " of sexual abuse and rape by the women's liberation movement, 1980 marked a major turning point, with the incorporation of the diagnostic construct of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into the 3rd edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) and the definition of its main diagnostic criteria (reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and symptoms of increased arousal). Initially described as resulting from a onetime severe traumatic incident, PTSD has now been shown to be triggered by chronic multiple traumas as well. This "state-of-the-art" article discusses past and current understanding of the disorder, with particular emphasis on the recent explosive developments in neuroimaging and other fields of the neurosciences that have highlighted the complex interrelationships between the psychological, psychiatric, biological, and neuroanatomical components of the disorder, and opened up entirely new therapeutic perspectives on how to help the victims of trauma overcome their past.

The contribution of All Quiet on the Western Front to our understanding of psychological trauma

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 489-493
Author(s):  
Nigel Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Psychological Problems ◽  
Formal Treatment ◽  
Western Front ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractThe most effective way of coping with a traumatic event is to develop a narrative, which can take many forms, e.g., talking to friends and family, formal treatment, written accounts. Autobiographical works and novels by ex-soldiers are good examples of texts, which can aid psychologists’ understanding of traumatic stress, providing powerful insights not normally obtained through traditional psychological methods. Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front, illustrates the psychological problems experienced by men in battle. Psychologists have rarely used novels as sources of data, yet they provide a rich insight into the problems associated with traumatic events. The issues raised in the book include: an account of battle experience, civilian understanding, memory and coping. This approach can be used to extend our understanding of traumatic situations.

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